Does the video identify a clear topic to be discussed, a question to be answered or an objective to be reached?
The best lessons begin by clearly stating the subject and identifying the intended outcomes. In the same way, an educational video should begin by stating the topic and objectives.* (Avoid This!)
Is the content accurate?
This may require some cross-referencing and fact-checking on your part. Just as anyone can create a website, so, too, can anyone generate a channel and upload videos.*
Is there a balance between educational content and entertainment?
It’s the perennial question educators ask themselves –is the video purely for entertainment or is there educational value? You’ll find exciting videos with media, music and movement that capture student interest, but don’t offer much in terms of content. On the other hand, there are plenty of videos rich in content that lack energy, excitement and variety. The best ones capture both.*
Does the media used in the video add to or detract from the content?
The addition of graphics, demonstrations, music and written information should enhance the material presented. Unfortunately, poor sound quality, photo resolution and other low-quality additions can make a video less effective and distract students from the subject.*
Is there a wrap-up, summary or short conclusion?
Many videos are fast-paced, presenting a ton of information in a short period of time. Videos that conclude with a brief review of the information covered can be extremely helpful in highlighting the main points for students.*
It is loaded on all student computers using Windows 10. Using these machines your students can also access the webcam to record video for the movie project (think documentary) with ease. If it is not loaded on your teacher laptop, you may download it here.
If your Windows Movie Maker will not play sound from imported videos, follow this student's video solution.
Planning Your Movie Project
As with any lesson planning is key to the success of a transformational project like movie making. Below you will find some materials that will help when planning this type of project with your students.
Will need Handbrake to change to MP4 before using in Windows Movie Maker;
Download here.
Record Screen from PPT
As you begin your project you will need to create a folder to store all of your images and movie items in on the server or in your documents (if you plan on using the same computer each time your work on your project). When the movie is complete you will need to SAVE THE MOVIE in order to share with others.
Making It Matter
Ok. You've embraced a new set of powerful tools for students to use in your class. Now, let's make sure you and your students get the most out of them. The currency of your classroom is a grade. These type of projects can work within that system. Where you may have assigned a project to your students where they were to turn in a term paper or research report, now you can offer them some more creative and engaging alternatives. You might be asking yourself, "How do I get a grade from a movie or photostory?" The answer is that it really isn't that different. You grade the content for accuracy the same way you would a report. If you want to be more specific and grade all the aspects of their work, a rubric is an excellent choice. It gives you guidelines for grading and if passed out to your students before the project, it gives them a clear set of your expectations.
Tips for Creating a Good, Fair Rubric
Choose the categories carefully. Each category should reflect a different standard that you want to assess.
When describing the levels within each category, be specific about your expectations.
Include definite numbers in each level, such as "contains 3 - 4 transitions in movie" or "science facts are 80%-90% correct" to avoid being subjective.
Don't let your numbers overlap or leave a gap. If one level description says "4 or more photos used", the one down should not say "3-4 photos used". If this is the case, those with 4 photos would receive 2 different grades.
The point of a rubric is to make expectations simple and grades as objective as possible.
This course will focus on the tools specific to Windows computers and software available to students in elementary, middle, and high schools.
Clear Targets
I can:
plan an integrated content-based movie project to enhance students' core content knowledge.
structure and scaffold a movie project in the classroom.
use images, videos, and music with respect for copyright laws.
include voice narration, effects, and text titles and subtitles in movie projects.
save final movies in an easy to share format.
have students use school appropriate digital storage to submit final movies for grading.
consider a grading rubric to make movie project expectations clear to all students.
Sample Resources for CMCSS Teachers
What Makes a Good Video to Use for Instruction?
While these are not strict rules, they are guidelines that will help both you and your students make the most of your videos used in class.*- from PDF titled "Mind/Shift: Teachers' Guide to Using Videos" by Caitlin Tucker downloadable at
http://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2013/03/MindShift-Guide-to-Videos.pdf
Movie Maker -
It is loaded on all student computers using Windows 10. Using these machines your students can also access the webcam to record video for the movie project (think documentary) with ease.If it is not loaded on your teacher laptop, you may download it here.
Movie Maker Tutorial
Movie Maker Directions
If your Windows Movie Maker will not play sound from imported videos, follow this student's video solution.
Planning Your Movie Project
As with any lesson planning is key to the success of a transformational project like movie making. Below you will find some materials that will help when planning this type of project with your students.Resources for Videos
Download here.
As you begin your project you will need to create a folder to store all of your images and movie items in on the server or in your documents (if you plan on using the same computer each time your work on your project). When the movie is complete you will need to SAVE THE MOVIE in order to share with others.
Making It Matter
Ok. You've embraced a new set of powerful tools for students to use in your class. Now, let's make sure you and your students get the most out of them. The currency of your classroom is a grade. These type of projects can work within that system. Where you may have assigned a project to your students where they were to turn in a term paper or research report, now you can offer them some more creative and engaging alternatives. You might be asking yourself, "How do I get a grade from a movie or photostory?" The answer is that it really isn't that different. You grade the content for accuracy the same way you would a report. If you want to be more specific and grade all the aspects of their work, a rubric is an excellent choice. It gives you guidelines for grading and if passed out to your students before the project, it gives them a clear set of your expectations.Tips for Creating a Good, Fair Rubric
- Choose the categories carefully. Each category should reflect a different standard that you want to assess.
- When describing the levels within each category, be specific about your expectations.
- Include definite numbers in each level, such as "contains 3 - 4 transitions in movie" or "science facts are 80%-90% correct" to avoid being subjective.
- Don't let your numbers overlap or leave a gap. If one level description says "4 or more photos used", the one down should not say "3-4 photos used". If this is the case, those with 4 photos would receive 2 different grades.
The point of a rubric is to make expectations simple and grades as objective as possible.Publishing Your Movie to Share with the World
These are some options for allowing students to share their ideas with the world and get feedback from an authenic audience.Google Classroom Post as a link
Students can watch and respond to others.
Overview of Blended Learning - Khan Academy video tutorials featuring content from the Christensen Institute
Common Sense Media
SOS Strategies - For a great list of classroom strategies shared by Discovery Education, visit http://tinyurl.com/SOS-strategies.